Charity benefit organized by hc students
Breathe Lexington is an upcoming art-based event coordinated by HC Junior Sophi Clarke. All proceeds from the event benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. From 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 19th at 137 South Hanover Avenue (The Francis Home), Henry Clay students will be displaying their artwork to be sold for the organization’s profit.
“Helping the community through this organizational process has not only been fun, but one of the best things I have ever done,” Clark said. “I am honored to support Henry Clay and CF with the beauty of the arts.”
HC Junior, Grae Chambers, who suffers from the illness, is the inspiration for Breathe Lexington. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a defect in the CFTR gene, making proteins that do not function properly in cells throughout the body.
“This is an incredible way to spread awareness for a disease that not many people know about,” says Chambers. “The proceeds from Breathe are going into medical research that is currently in the process of curing the underlying cause of CF. Without the support and generosity of others, that would not be at all possible.”
This fundraising event will also expose many talented HC students as well as awareness of the disease itself.
“I’m eager for my peers to represent Henry Clay so positively here in Lexington,” Clark said.
A local 70’s-alternative rock band, Little Chap, that fellow HC student is a member of, will be performing on the 19th. This will be their 9th performance this school year.
“We’re super thrilled to have been given this opportunity to play at this fundraiser,” said HC Junior Spencer Parsons.
Parsons joined Little Chap in October alongside Ramsey Bell, Sam Armstrong, and Rand Kelly.
“It’s so great for bands to be back in the local scene, especially when we get to support such an exceptional cause. I encourage everyone to come out and support not only our classmates but also the foundation,” the lead singer, Rand Kelly, added.
Not only will there be live music to entertain guests, but artwork will be available for sale.
HC art classes have been creating masterpieces over the past few months. About 30 will be selected at Breathe Lexington, which will later be auctioned.